Islamabad: Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of the Senate Defence Committee has underscored the need for making collective effort to overcome the menace of terrorism and to formulate a long term, workable and effective policy in this regard. He emphasized for promoting dialogue among different faiths and beliefs to ensure peaceful coexistence.

He expressed these views at a seminar “ counter terror strategy-what needs to be done” organized jointly by the Senate Defence committee and Adenuar Stiftung, a German non-for-organization in Islamabad this evening.

He said that it is the hallmark of the Parliament to discuss and debate issues of extreme national importance and the Senate Defence committee, the Senator remarked , organized seminars and public hearings to discuss issues related to national security and stability.

Dr. Hassan Abbas cited the example of Turkey and Indonesia and that police has to play a more effective role with any fear or favour. He expressed his dissatisfaction over the lack of coordination among federal and provincial authorities specially with regard to protection to the witnesses.

Former Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Seema Baloch also shared her views with the participants regarding the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to crush Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka. She said that a media center for National Security was established to give continuous information to the nation to keep the morale of the nation high and fight the Tamil propaganda. A media representative seconded her opinion and demanded complete ban on glorifying the acts of terrorism.

Mr. Tariq Pervez , former DG FIA and former Chairman NCTA gave a detailed overview of the formation of the authority and highlighted the causes behind slow progress.

Active discussion took place in which participants shared their views. Senator Mushahid appreciated the democratic spirit of the participants and expressed the hope that the debate will help the policy makers to chalk out a viable and comprehensive workable strategy to counter terrorism.

Source: http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?newsid=245017&catname=1